Machine for waterproofing fibrous materials.



A. 0. TATE. MACHINE FOVR WATERPROOFING FIBROUS MATERIALS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I9, 1915. 1,228,986. Patented June f, 1917.

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VA.Y0.' TME; MACHINE FOR WATERPROOFING FIBROUS MATERIALS.

APPLICATION man M/m.19.v19'15. l I 1,228,986.. l l Patented June 5, 1917.

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mha SH01/Meja' Z A. 0. TATE.

MACHINE FOR WATERPROOFING FIBROUS MATERIALS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I9. I9I5 y v PatenIedJune o, 19I7.

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A. O. TATE.

MACHINE FOR wATERPRooHNG FIBRoUS MATERIALS.

APPLICATION HLED MAR.19. 1915.

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A. O. TATE. MACHINE FOR WATERPROOFING FIBROUS MATERIALS.

K l APPLICATION FILED MAR. 19, 1915. 1,226,986.. PafentedJune 1917.

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ALFRED O. TATE, 0F MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA, ASSIGNOR TO TATE EILEC'IRO-A LYTIC WATERPROOFING COMPANY, INCORPORATED, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A

CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

MACHINE FOR WATERPROOFING FIBROUS MATERIALS.

Application filed March 19, 1915.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED O. TATE, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing in Montreal, Quebec, Dominion of Canada, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Machines for Waterproofing Fibrous Materials, of which the following is a description.

My invention is directed particularly to an improvement upon a machine described and claimed in a prior application, bearing Serial No. 9637, filed by me on the 20th day of February, 1915, and has for its objects:

First, to render more certain the waterproofing. of such material 4under all conditions of usage, particularly where textile fabrics are electrolytically treated and are of relatively large contact surface area;

Second, to much more speedily waterproof such surface areas than was possible with the mechanism disclosed in said application;

Third, to simplify and cheapen the mechanism of the aforesaid invention;

Fourth, to apply ya different method of feeding the material being treated through the machine by drawing the same therethrough in such manner as to be evenly distributed between'the pair or pairs of electrodes used, and to ultimately deliver the cloth or textile fabric, when the waterproofing is completed, in the best possible condition for commercial use; and

Fifth, to provide the details of construction made necessary by the change in the principal elements of the invention disclosed in said application, whereby the material is more successfully treated, and at relatively greater speeds.

` In the aforesaid application, I have disclosed a mechanism for electrolytically treating fibrous materials, so asto render them non-fibrous or non-capillary to water, which embraces as the essential elements thereof one or more pairs of electrodes shown as rotatable cylinders, having surfaces of conductingmaterial, the plus or positive electrode cylinder being journaled directly in both ends of the frame, and the negative or .minus electrode cylinder journaled pivotally to the frame, and provided with means for adjusting the same back and forth With relation'to the other or positive electrode,

,so as to accommodate material of variable thickness, said electrodes rotating always to- Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented J une 5, 1917.,

Serial No. 15,444.

ward each other, and the minus electrode being rotated frictionally by the plus electrode. I have also provided, in that application, means whereby the electrolyzing current is caused to change its direction of flow or polarity as the material proceeds from one pair of electrodes to the succeeding pairs, this change being effected each time through the successive electrodes., In the invention disclosed in said application, as

the material passes between the successive pairs of. electrodes, it is only subjected to the action of the electrolyzing current during the time that it passes in actual mechanical and electrical contact between each pair of electrodes, and this time will necessarily be limited by the diameter of the electrodes and the speed of rotation thereof. In other words, as the surface of the material under the actual passage of the current is theoretically only between tangential elements of the two cylinders, it will be seen that the proportionate movement is'relatively quick, so that it became necessary for me to utilize, successively, several pairs of such cylinders, for the purpose of increasing this time of electrolytic action. My invention, in the present instance, consists in a decidedimprovement upon this feature, in that I provide one or more pairs of stationary electrodes, of relatively great contacting surface area, which are located face to face with their entire surfaces in electrical contact, the plus electrode of each pair being fixedly sustained permanently between the ends of the frame, and the minus electrode adapted to be adjustably and yieldingly sustained in relation thereto in one or more parallel planes, the arrangement being such that a relatively largely increased electrical contacting surface is maintained as the material is drawn between said pairs of electrode surfaces, and a relatively longer time of contact is also maintained, thereby arriving at the production of a result which Was not obtained by the before-mentioned machine, thus greatly increasing the capacity of theymachine for commercial uses.

In the before-mentioned application, also, the material when under treatment was actually fed between the electrodes by their pad feeding mechanism apart and distinct, or independent, fromthe electrodes themselves. In the use of the invention disclosed 1n my prior application, I also disclosed a porous in connection with a rotary positive electrode, which mechanically and electrolytically aided in the distribution of the` electrolytes.

Having thus described the essential objects of my improvement, reference 1s now had to the following description and accompanying drawings in which: c

Figure 1 is a side elevational view thereof, with the material being treated shown 1n sectional view, partly in dotted and partly in full lines in side elevational View and as passing downwardly through the machlne, with the feeding mechanism also shown 1n dotted lines at the bottom of this figure.

ig. 2 is a sectional view of the complete machine, taken on line X X of Fig. 1, and as seen looking from left to right in the direction of the arrows, a part of the driving mechanism and mechanism for finishing and delivering the cloth not being shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged part, side elevational view showing in detail the manner of pivotally supporting the negative or minus electrode from the cross-beams of the ends of the frame. n

' Fig. 4 is a plan view, shown partly in section, of Fig. 3 as seen looking from the top toward the bottom of the drawing.

Fig. 5 is a part sectional, and part side elevational, View of the minus electrode taken on line Y`Y of' Fig. 3, showing more clearly the manner of effecting the pivotal movement thereof, and also the general construction of the electrode in detail.

Fig. 6 is a part sectional, part' plan view of a pair of the electrodes and the manner of sustaining and operating the pivotal electrode, the supporting frame being shown in section and the source of electrical' energy as a storage battery with its connections in diagrammatic View.

Fig. 7 is a detail, sectional view of the positive electrode showing one of the plurality of electrical contacting surfaces. thereof which make up the same, together with a section of the porous pad which covers the entire surface of said parts.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the positive electrode and its plurality of contacting surfaces, together with the porous surface pad located on the under side thereof, and also illustrating the manner of supporting the electrode frame.

Fig. 9 is a part sectional, of Fig. 8 seen looking from ward the top of the drawing.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view, taken on line Z-Z of Fig. 9, illustrating the manner of in the ends of the part plan view the bottom tosecuring the surface of the posltive or plus electrode at each end thereof.

Figs. 11 and 12 are diagrammaticV views illustrating the electrical connections for connecting up the machine with a source of electrical energy, as a dynamo electric machine, so as to adapt it for use under varying conditions as the necessities of the case may demand.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, in all of which like letters represent like parts wherever used, A represents the ends of the'frame and B the cross-beams thereof for supporting the mechanism, said parts being preferably shown as cast integral and of I-form. These ends are secured together by strong tie rods T1', and two additional side beams D, D. E-I- and E- represent a plurality, two or more pairs of electrodes having their opposite ends sustained, as will be described, between the cross-beams B. The plus electrodes E-I- are Xedly supported in the opposite ends of the frame by square rods S, said rods being insulated at their ends from the cross-beams B of the frame by insulating material In. See Fig. 10. These electrodes, like the electrodes in my former application, are made up of a series of contacting parts, preferably aluminum, which, in that application, were shown as cylindrical disks having their outer or contacting surface edges insulated from each other, by insulating paint. In the present application these contacting parts of the electrodes are all of the form shown in Figs. 3 and 7, and indicated by the letter K having individually relatively large flat contacting surfaces, and all arranged to be threaded upon hollow, rectangular copper or other good conducting sleeves I, in close relation to each other, so that the completed electrode shall have a surface of relatively large contacting area, but so divided up with relation to its conductivity of the electrical current that it will divide the infiowing electrolyzing current into relatively equal surface quantities in substantially scribed in my before-mentioned application, both the positive and negative electrodes being made up of these parts K, as clearly shown, and are provided at their opposite ends with conducting collars cz', which are clamped together, upon the sustaining rods or shafts S and PS by set screws not shown, or in any preferred manner, so as to hold all of the parts K in the same relative position on both the plus and minus electrodes, the only difference between these parts being that the plus electrode is provided at its opposite ends with a cap plate, op, see Fig. 10, and cap screws d, -for securing the electrode permanently to the cross-beams B at the end of the supporting rod S and insulating it from the frame by insulation In. The E+ porous pad to the contacting v the same manner as deetv electrode is held iXedly in place in the frame by collar I-I and taper pins Tp, Fig. 8, and the E electrode is constructed in similar manner to the E+ electrode, and pivotally supported by a rectangular shaped rod or bolt and links L at its opposite ends upon a shaft W, journaled in the opposite ends of the cross-beams B and in parallel relation to the plus electrode surface E+, said electrodes being insulated at each end from the frame at Im, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. For the purpose of giving to the E- electrode surfaces movement in absolutely parallel planes with relation to the permanently fixed E+ electrode surfaces, I provide adjusting rods R connected at each end of the minus electrode E-, and swinging links M pivotally connected at N to the cross-beams B. Additional pivoted adjusting rods O are connected to the links M and located in alinement with the rods R, and adapted to be adjusted in opposite directions by the nuts 3], in lug bearings of the cross-beams B, and yielding springs Q, which normally tend to force the electrode surfaces together. The) adjustment is effected in opposition to the force of the springs. In other words, the springs Q, normally tend to hold the entire e ectrode surfaces of both electrodes in contact with each other.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10, F represents a porous pad of rectangular shape adapted to cover the positive electrode from end to end, and to be held in place by the inner corrugated ends of the contacting surfaces through the agency of a corrugated plate f and a plurality of cap screws b, 5,' so as to give to the pad a relatively tightly drawn, smooth surface. It will be noted, on examination of Fig. 2, that the upper ends of both of the contacting surfaces recede from each other for the purpose of offering relatively long liquidholding pockets on each side of the material being treated and adapted to hold the electrolyzing liquids therein.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, as and ps are pipes for conveying the electrolytes to the opposite 'sides of the material to be treated, said pipes being connected with sources of electrolytes not shown, but containing the liquids necessary for properly treating the material, as disclosed in my before-mentioned application. The necessary spraying pipes as disclosed in said applica; tion are also located, as shown in Fig. 2,

' above the electrodes, and said pipes are provided with the necessary cocks for varying the proportions of the treating liquids as desired, said matters being fully disclosed in my before-mentioned application. T constitutes the water tank located below the machine as before, and a, a are intergeared scrubbing brushes adapted to be rotated in opposite directions by the source vthe machine with a source of of power from a belt G and driving pulley e'. m, m are intergeared driving pinions located outside of, and near the bottom, of the tank for driving feeding rolls for feeding the cloth, and are driven by a sprocket chain Dp, driven in turn by a driving pulley P connected to the source of power by a belt J, their function being to drive feeding rolls located inside, and at the bottom of, the tank T. fr, r are guide rolls at the top on the right and bottom on the left of the machine, and journaled upon shafts s, s in the frame and tank T, respectively, for the purpose of directing the materiall being treated through the machine, and to the wringers n, n, which latter are positively driven by intergeared cog wheel with the pulley P. E, E arel mangle rolls for the pur pose of smoothing out and drying the completed material, and are driven by the same source of power which drives the feeding, scrubbing and rinsing rolls. wp, wp are spray tubes located at the top of the tank T above the liquid for the purpose of rinsing the material being treated, as it is fed forward, said pipes being connected with a source of water supply not shown. The rolls inside the tank near the bottom which are driven by the positively driven pinions m, m, scrubbing brushes a, a, wringers a, n and mangles E, E are operated in such directions as shown so that all of their pulling effect will feed the material C being treated forward continually, evenly and at the desired speed without tearing or injuring it.

In Figs. 11 and 12 I have illustrated diagrammatically the manner of connecting up electrical energy, as a dynamo electric machine, Dy, and with ammeters Am, volt meters Vm, switches Sw, incandescent lamps Z, hand switches hs, shunts Sh, S, rheostats, Rheo, etc.- The circuit is so arranged that the operator mayconnect the source of electrical energy in any desired manner so as to vary the voltage, the quantity of current and the number of pairs of electrodes employed, depending on the nature of the lmaterial being treated. The resistance of the circuit is varied by the rheostats Rhea, this arrangement being substantially the same as that disclosed in the before mentioned application.

The operation of the invention will be fully understood, it being apparent that the material C, as cloth, is fed forward from a bolt thereof, on the right over the guide roller 7', .downward between the electrodes and spraying pipes, in the same manner as disclosed in the before-mentioned application, where they receive the electrolytes, the same being sprayed, in one instance, directly against the material on one side, and, in the other, downwardly into the pockets made by the negative electrodes and that side of the material against which the eleccally treating fibrous materials for the purpose of waterproofing them, by making them non-absorbent or non-capillary. The E- electrodes are adjusted in accordance with the thickness of the material and the necessities of the case, and the action is continuous as the material is fed forward, and the relatively large electrical contacting surface area of the electrodes makes it possible to produce the best electrolytic effect thereupon, assuring a surface treatment which will be absolutely effective on every part of both sides of the material, and making it possible to vary the speed of treatment, in ac` cordance with the nature ofthe material to be treated. I do not limit my invention to the specific details of construction herein shown and described for obtaining the results named, as many of the features thereof may be departed from and still come within thel scope of my claims hereinafter made. To illustrate, I believe it is broadly new with me to provide both positive and negative stationary electrodes of one or more pairs of relatively large contacting surface area, whereby the material'may be relatively rapidly electrolytically treated as it is drawn through between such electrodes.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: c

1. A machine forv making brous materials non-absorbent embracing one or more pairs of stationary electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, in comb-ination with means for applying an electrolytic agent on opposite sides of the material being treated as it is being advanced therethrough.

2. A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing a plurality of electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, in combination with means forl subjecting the material to a different electrolytic agent on each side thereof, while it is being advanced therethrough.

3. A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing a plurality of pairs of electrodes of relatively large contacting area, and a source of electrical energy having its opposing poles successively connected thereto in alternating order, together with means for subjecting the material to a different electrolytic agent on each side as it is successively advanced between the pairs of electrodes.

4. A machine for waterproofing fibrous materials embracing one or more pairs of electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, combined with means for spraying the same with one or more electrolytic agents as it is advanced therethrough, together with ,a source of electrical energy having its poles connected to the opposite ends of said electrodes. y

5. A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing pairs of electrodes of relatively large contacti-ng surface area, combined with means for spraying or moistening the material with one or more electrolytic agents as it is advancedthere` through, together with a source of electrical energy, and connections therefrom for varying the direction of current flow through 'the successive pairs of electrodes..

6. A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent or non-capillary, em-

bracing one or more pairs of stationary electrodes, in combination with a source of electrical energy, and means for applying the electrolytic agents to both sides of the material to be treated prior to its passing be'tween the electrodes. e

7. A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing one or more pairs of electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, in combination with a source of electrical energy, and means for subjecting the surfaces to the moistening action of electrolytic agents as the same is advanced, together with means in the nature of a porous pad for accumulating and distributing said agents.

8. In amachine for making brous materials non-absorbent, one or more pairs of Y the twoy electrodes of each pair, vand means for supplying one vor more electrolytic agents to the material prior to its passage through the electrodes and to the surfaces of the electrodes, together with one or more porous pads covering the surface or surfaces of the positive electrodes. j j

10. A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing one or more pairs of stationary electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, combined with adjustable means for moving the electrodes to and from each other in parallel planes, so that such electrodes may be adapted to receive between them and treat material of different thickness.

114A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing one or more pairs of stationary electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, together with means for spraying both surfaces of the material as it is advanced therethrough, and additional means for subjecting the saine. as it is continuously advanced, to the action of a fluid.

1Q. machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing one or more pairs of stationary electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, together with means for spraying both surfaces of the material as it is advanced therethrough, and additional means for drawing the material between the electrodes continuously.

13. A machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent embracing one or more pairs of electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, together with means for spraying both surfaces of the material as it is advanced therethrough, means for subjecting the same to the cleansing action of a Huid, additional means for scrubbing and cleaning the material as it is farther advanced, and, finally, means for drying the same as it passes out of the machine.

1l. In a machine for making fibrous materials non-absorbent, embracing one o1' more pairs of stationary electrodes, means for drawing the material to be continuously treated between the same, means for spraying opposite sides thereof as it is advanced, a source of electrical energy connected thereto, means for varying the application of such source of electrical energy in accordance with the requirements of the material being treated, and means for indicating the voltage and amperage as the necessities of the case may demand.

15. In a machine for making fibrous materitls non-absorbent, one or more pairs of stationary electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area, in combination with a source of electrical energy connected thereto, one or more sources of liquid supply containing material for the treatment of the material, and means connected with said source of supply for applying it to the opposite surfaces of the material as it passes through the machine.

16. ln a machine for treating fibrous materials so as to render them non-absorbent, astationary electrode of relatively large contacting surface area constructed of a plurality of smaller contacting surfaces insulated from each other and threaded upon a sleeve of good conducting material, and having their outer or surface edges insulated from each other.

17. In a machine for treating fibrous materials so as to render them non-absorbent, a plurality of stationary electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area constructed of a plurality of smaller contacting surfaces insulated from each other at their edges and operatively connected with a source of electrical energy so that the, electrolyzing current is divided relatively between said smaller plates on both electrodes.

18. In a machine for treating fibrous materials so as to render them non-absorbent, a plurality of electrodes of relatively large contacting surface area constructed of a plurality of smaller contacting surfaces insulated from each other at their edges, in combination With a porous or absorbent medium covering the contacting surface of the positive electrode or electrodes.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

ALFRED O. TATE.

Witnesses:

ANNA M. WALL, EPHA GAY. 

